Agenda item
Statement of Licensing Policy
The council in its role as a Licensing Authority under the Licensing Act 2003 has a duty to determine, publish and keep under review its Statement of Licensing Policy (‘Policy’) which covers a five-year period but can be replaced at any time during that five-year period. The current Policy is due to expire on the 5 January 2025 and this report therefore presents the outcome of the review and proposed new Licensing Policy for comment, prior to referral to Full Council for formal adoption.
Members are asked to note that this item includes reference to the following two documents as background papers:
· Licensing Policy Consultation responses
· Equality Assessment
These documents have been published as a separate supplementary pack to accompany the main Cabinet agenda.
Decision:
Cabinet RESOLVED:
(1) To note (having considered) the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy (5 January 2025 – 4 January 2030) as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
(2) In order to fulfill legal requirements to refer the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy to Full Council on 18 November 2024 for formal adoption.
Eligible for call-in: No (report referred to Council for final approval)
Minutes:
Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Environment & Enforcement) introduced a report advising members of the duty placed on the Council, in its role as a Licensing Authority under the Licensing Act 2003, to determine, publish and keep under review a Statement of Licensing Policy covering a five-year period. Members were advised that as the current Policy was due to expire on the 5 January 2025 the report presented the outcome of the current which had needed to be undertaken and changes identified as a result, prior to referral of the new Policy to Full Council for formal adoption.
In presenting the report, members were advised that the opportunity had also been undertaken (as part of the review) to ensure the changes made as a result reflected not only current statutory requirements but also the specific and evolving needs of local communities across the borough with the Policy key in defining the approach adopted towards the way licensing the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshments, and licensed venues was managed. As such, members noted the importance of the Statement of Licensing Policy as a key document in terms of providing guidance to applicants and license holders and also in setting out the Council’s (as Licensing Authority) expectations on compliance, community safety, and the integration of the licensing approach with broader council strategies. Members were advised that, subject to formal approval and adoption, the new Policy would become effective from January 2025 with the content having been designed to carefully align with the Borough Plan priorities in terms of supporting Prosperity and Stability in Brent, a Healthier Brent, and Thriving Communities.
Members were advised that the new Policy had included a number of updates, which had reflected an evidence based approach towards their development as well as feedback from Responsible Authorities with the changes designed to address key issues such as alcohol-related crime, health impacts, and nuisance affecting local communities and introducing 32 specific policies. These included measures for twelve cumulative impact zones (based on areas identified as facing challenges due to high levels of street drinking and alcohol-related incidents) seeking to limit the growth of new off-licences and other alcohol-serving establishments in an effort to reduce cumulative impact on local residents. In addition, the Policy had also sought to address a number of critical and emerging areas and priorities including (in preparing for the introduction of Martyn’s Law) measures for enhanced event and venue safety, including risk assessments and emergency preparedness; introducing targeted measures to improve safety and reduce harm for women and vulnerable populations focussed around the nighttime economy; provide enhanced oversight of delivery services and dark kitchens to ensure they meet (given the growth of these type of businesses) the same standards as traditional licensed premises and the introduction of clear expectations for licensees to prevent and respond to drink spiking, which were areas specifically welcomed and supported by members.
In noting the additional background papers circulated for reference purposes alongside the main report in relation to the Equality Assessment and consultation responses received as part of the review process, members highlighted a need to ensure that the policy and any associated feedback was subject to regular review as further reassurance to local residents that the arrangements and approach adopted towards the management and enforcement of the Licensing Policy was as robust and proactive as possible.
Having welcomed the benefits being delivered through the approach towards designation of cumulative impact zones and also continued inclusion (as an outcome of the consultation process) of the voluntary minimum unit price policy, Cabinet in supporting the need for a process of regular review RESOLVED subject to the comments identified above:
(1) To note (having considered) the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy (5 January 2025 – 4 January 2030) as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.
(2) In order to fulfill legal requirements to refer the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy to Full Council on 18 November 2024 for formal adoption.
Supporting documents:
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10. Statement of Licensing Policy, item 10.
PDF 163 KB
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10a. Appendix 1 - Post-consultation Draft Licensing Policy, item 10.
PDF 2 MB
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10b(i). Background paper- Consultation submission summary Licensing Policy, item 10.
PDF 601 KB
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10b(ii). Background paper - Equality Analysis - Statement of Licensing Policy, item 10.
PDF 536 KB